Senior Supply Chain Manager

We are a stealth-mode Aerospace & Defense startup headquartered in El Segundo, CA. Our founding team hails from Space

X, Anduril, and Lockheed Martin, and we are backed by Joint Staff-level military leadership and top-tier Silicon Valley companies. We are assembling a high‑agency team committed to moving fast, solving hard problems, and defending what matters most. With a world‑class business development & leadership team already in place, we are well positioned to capitalize on already overwhelming demand.

As our Senior Supply Chain Manager you will stand up and scale a full‑stack supply chain operation from the ground up. You will own vendor strategy, sourcing, procurement, warehousing and logistics for mission‑critical components. You’ll work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to make sure we move as fast as our ambition demands. This is not a “manage‑the‑status‑quo” role—this is a builder role.

You’ll be expected to create structure where none exists, automate what can be automated, and push our suppliers to meet ambitious timelines with a high level of quality.

• Own the end‑to‑end procurement process: sourcing, negotiating, purchasing, and vendor management
• Develop a supplier network for mechanical, electrical, software, and COTS components aligned to defense‑grade reliability and timelines
• Collaborate with engineering to identify long‑lead items early and develop should‑cost models
• Help set up and manage systems for inventory, ERP, MRP, and logistics
• Drive cost, quality, and delivery (QCD) improvements using lean principles and supplier scorecards
• Build and manage strategic relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Navigate ITAR, DFARS, and other regulatory requirements without slowing down development
• Scale the function from “scrappy startup” to “production‑ready” as the company grows

• 7+ years experience in supply chain, procurement, or sourcing, ideally in aerospace, defense, automotive, or high‑growth hardware
• Deep understanding of hardware and electrical product development cycles from prototyping to production
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and deliver under pressure
• Familiarity with defense compliance (e.g., ITAR, DFARS, FAR)
• Strong analytical and systems‑thinking skills; ERP and MRP experience (e.g., Net Suite, SAP, or custom solutions)

• A builder’s mindset: comfortable working with ambiguity, rolling up your sleeves, and figuring things out fast
• You believe quality and speed are not mutually exclusive.
• You take ownership and drive continuous improvement without waiting for permission.

Location
:
Whittier, CA (additional locations available)

Compensation
: $–$ (salary range) plus benefits